what powder for 44 mag???
 

Hello I am buying a Taurus raging bull 8 3/8 barrel 44 magnum in the next week(store is out of stock). I have never owned a 44 mag or reloaded for it. I have been reloading for 15 years so I am not a Newbe when it comes to reloading. I am going to Cabelas in a week to buy some supplies including RCBS carbide dies. I already have over 300 once fired 44 mag cases and about 100 44 special cases. I bought some speer 240 grain JHP bullets a few years ago when a gun shop closed(I stold them at $8 for 145 of them). Anyway I have heard that H110 Reloader 19? are good powders in this caliber. I am looking for an Acurate load for hunting. With the porting on this gun I will probally not be shooting lead. I have had some leading problems in the ports of my EAA 45 acp witness and I dont want to deal with that again. Any sugestions on powder, bullets, or reloading tricks if any for this caliber. any one use Berrys or magatech for general target practice???

Thanks
Jay

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

I love H110. For target, I use 11gr of Unique, but thinking of trying bullseye.

I shoot 23.5gr H110 with 240gr Hornady XTP's for hunting.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

Try Win. 296. I have heard Hodgdon LIL'GUN is a good powder. Good luck.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

296 for all my magnum loads. I prefer winchester primers as well.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

DJ,
I've had great results with both W296 and H110. I shoot Hornady 240gr XTPs over 24gr of either W296 or H110 and velocities out of my 9.5" Ruger SR are in the neighborhood of 1450fps. I also load 300gr XTPs (seated to the second crimp groove, this is a compressed load) over 21gr of W296 with velocities around 1300fps. Both loads are moderately heavy recoil but still within allowable pressures. I took 2 deer last season using this last load with impressive results. Hope this helps...

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

For the people that has tried both W296 and H110, is there any advantage in speed for the W296. Been using H110 for a long time. But see a majority of 44 mag shooters like W296.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

I use 24.7 gr of Win 296 and Hornady 240 gr XTPs. this is a max load so approach with caution. I have a S&W 29 8 3/8" and 2 Ruger super blackhawks. this load shoots good from all 3.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

In all honesty I can't say that I ever noticed much of a difference in the 44, in the 357 296 gave better accuracy. Don't see the need to keep two powders for my magnum loads.

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

I have a load I use in my Contender using W231. This is a light load that pops a cast bullet out to 50 yds or so, little to no recoil, great fun for those just wanting to punch paper.
For a bit more boom W296 is at the top of my list with Unique a close second.
Have Fun!
Wes

RE: what powder for 44 mag???
 

Jay,

W-296 is a ggood powder for any magnum pistol load. Good luck.